1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:05,280 Welcome to the Memorizing Tarot Cards podcast, where we're exploring myths, connections, 2 00:00:05,280 --> 00:00:08,320 and burning questions within the world of Tarot. 3 00:00:08,320 --> 00:00:11,600 Today, we're tackling an intriguing question. 4 00:00:11,600 --> 00:00:14,960 Did Tarot originate as a tool for divination? 5 00:00:14,960 --> 00:00:18,320 If you've ever wondered whether Tarot has always been mystical, 6 00:00:18,320 --> 00:00:21,520 used to predict the future or to reveal hidden truths, 7 00:00:21,520 --> 00:00:24,160 you might be surprised by the answer. 8 00:00:24,160 --> 00:00:29,040 Let's explore where Tarot comes from, how it evolved into a tool for divination, 9 00:00:29,040 --> 00:00:31,520 and what that means for your practice today. 10 00:00:31,520 --> 00:00:34,000 Let's jump into where Tarot began. 11 00:00:34,000 --> 00:00:38,480 According to my research, the origins of the Tarot are not as mystical as you might think. 12 00:00:38,480 --> 00:00:44,000 Tarot began in 15th century Europe as a card game called "Toroki". 13 00:00:44,000 --> 00:00:45,600 I hope I pronounced that right. 14 00:00:45,600 --> 00:00:49,920 It was a game played for entertainment, not spiritual insight. 15 00:00:49,920 --> 00:00:52,640 Here's what early Tarot cards look like. 16 00:00:52,640 --> 00:00:57,440 The deck structure featured four suits, much like today's playing cards, 17 00:00:57,440 --> 00:01:02,000 with an additional trump card set, now known as "The Major Arcana". 18 00:01:02,000 --> 00:01:06,080 Their purpose was simply for leisure, and the cards were often beautifully illustrated 19 00:01:06,080 --> 00:01:08,480 to reflect the culture and symbolism of the time. 20 00:01:08,480 --> 00:01:13,520 There was no evidence of Tarot being used for divination or occult practices 21 00:01:13,520 --> 00:01:15,120 during its early history. 22 00:01:15,120 --> 00:01:17,040 It was a social game for the elite. 23 00:01:17,040 --> 00:01:20,320 So, when did Tarot become mystical? 24 00:01:20,320 --> 00:01:25,200 The transformation of Tarot from a card game to a tool for divination happened much later, 25 00:01:25,200 --> 00:01:26,640 around the 18th century. 26 00:01:27,360 --> 00:01:28,560 Here's how it evolved. 27 00:01:28,560 --> 00:01:36,160 In 1781, a French scholar, Antoine Court de Gébelin, claimed that Tarot had ancient 28 00:01:36,160 --> 00:01:42,080 Egyptian origins and contained hidden esoteric wisdom. While there was no factual basis, 29 00:01:42,080 --> 00:01:44,560 it sparked interest in Tarot as a mystical tool. 30 00:01:44,560 --> 00:01:50,160 Around the same time, a French occultist known as Etteilla, created one of the first 31 00:01:50,160 --> 00:01:52,800 Tarot decks designed explicitly for divination. 32 00:01:53,520 --> 00:01:57,920 He assigned meanings to the cards and linked them to astrology and other mystical systems. 33 00:01:57,920 --> 00:02:04,320 Then, in the 19th century, the hermetic order of the Golden Dawn, a secretive mystical 34 00:02:04,320 --> 00:02:09,840 society, expanded Tarot's connection to Kabbalah, Alchemy and astrology. 35 00:02:09,840 --> 00:02:14,560 This work laid the foundation for modern Tarot decks, like the Rider Wait Smith deck. 36 00:02:14,560 --> 00:02:17,840 In light of this, why does this myth persist? 37 00:02:17,840 --> 00:02:23,040 The belief that Tarot has always been a divination tool persists because of modern usage. 38 00:02:23,840 --> 00:02:29,200 Today, Tarot is most commonly associated with spiritual guidance and intuitive insight, 39 00:02:29,200 --> 00:02:32,000 so it's easy to assume it has always served this purpose. 40 00:02:32,000 --> 00:02:35,200 Another reason is simply romanticizing the history. 41 00:02:35,200 --> 00:02:39,520 People are drawn to the idea of Tarot as an ancient wisdom tradition, 42 00:02:39,520 --> 00:02:42,560 but its history is more grounded in culture and creativity. 43 00:02:42,560 --> 00:02:45,520 So, what does this mean for Tarot today? 44 00:02:45,520 --> 00:02:50,560 Understanding Tarot's origins doesn't diminish its power as a divination tool. 45 00:02:51,360 --> 00:02:54,720 In fact, it highlights its versatility and adaptability. 46 00:02:54,720 --> 00:03:01,280 Whether you see Tarot as a divination tool, a storytelling device, or a way to reflect on life, 47 00:03:01,280 --> 00:03:04,640 its value lies in how you use it, not where it came from. 48 00:03:04,640 --> 00:03:08,480 Knowing the history adds depth to your practice. 49 00:03:08,480 --> 00:03:14,880 It reminds us that Tarot is an art form, and a spiritual tool shaped by centuries of human creativity 50 00:03:14,880 --> 00:03:16,160 and curiosity. 51 00:03:16,160 --> 00:03:19,840 The bottom line is that Tarot didn't originate as a tool for divination. 52 00:03:20,560 --> 00:03:26,320 It actually started as a card game, but its journey into the mystical realm makes it all the more fascinating. 53 00:03:26,320 --> 00:03:29,520 Today, Tarot is whatever you make of it. 54 00:03:29,520 --> 00:03:34,400 It can be a tool for guidance, reflection, or connecting with your intuition. 55 00:03:34,400 --> 00:03:38,960 Its origins may be grounded, but its possibilities are limitless. 56 00:03:38,960 --> 00:03:40,880 Thanks for joining me on this episode. 57 00:03:40,880 --> 00:03:43,200 Did this history surprise you? 58 00:03:43,200 --> 00:03:48,560 I'd love to hear your thoughts on how understanding Tarot's origins affects your practice. 59 00:03:49,120 --> 00:03:53,360 Don't forget to subscribe and tune in next time as we learn more about Tarot cards while 60 00:03:53,360 --> 00:03:54,960 exploring the magic of the cards. 61 00:03:54,960 --> 00:03:58,960 Until then, keep shuffling and trust your intuition. 62 00:03:58,960 --> 00:04:02,720 Remember to memorize Tarot, keep practicing Tarot. 63 00:04:02,720 --> 00:04:04,640 Thanks for listening.